The Statue of Liberty crown is an observation platform (photo by Smokeghost)
The toughest Statue of Liberty National Monument ticket to get is a Crown Ticket. If you want one from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you’d better be on the Statue Cruises’ website the moment they go on sale six months in advance (Crown tickets are only available in advance through online purchase or by phone). I tried to buy tickets in April and everything was sold out until after Labor Day. I also tried to get tickets in late October for early November and there was nothing until January 7th. Needless to say, I was not able to visit the crown.
The lure of visiting the Statue’s crown is its exclusivity. Not many people can claim to have been there. But underneath the coolness of it all, it’s ultimately nothing more than an elevated viewing platform. You can get similar views from the balcony at the top of the Statue’s pedestal, and tickets for the pedestal are much easier to come by. But the crown is the crown, and it certainly is what everyone is shooting for when planning a trip to the Statue of Liberty.
Despite the fact that you went through airport-type security to board the ferry to Liberty Island, you must pass through another security check-point in order to get inside the pedestal or to the crown. The security screening building is located at the base of Fort Wood, the star-shaped fort the Statue of Liberty sits in.
Security screening building at Liberty Island (photo by National Park Service)
You are only allowed to take a camera and small handbag with you inside the Statue of Liberty. Backpacks, strollers, large umbrellas, and food and drink—including water—are not allowed. I got inside with my sling pack (satchel / man-purse), but when the guard saw I had a bottle of water, I was not allowed to proceed farther. I had to exit the building and store my bottle inside a locker. These are available for rent (25¢) and are located across the walkway from the security screening building. There is a change machine that accepts $1 and $5 bills. Locker size is 12″ x 12″ x 18″.
Lockers outside the Statue of Liberty security check point
While there is an elevator to the top of the pedestal, there is not one to the crown. Visitors can opt to walk up the entire way (393 steps) or take the elevator to the top of the pedestal and then walk up 162 steps on a narrow, spiral staircase to the crown. Head clearance is only 6 feet, so if you are taller than that, you must stoop over when climbing the stairs. The crown is a tight space and is not recommended for those with claustrophobia. Furthermore, there is no air conditioning inside the statue. The temperature can be up to 20º F higher than the outside temperature. Remember, you cannot bring water with you, so be sure to drink up before beginning your journey. Also know there are no restrooms, so don’t drink up too early.
Children must be at least 4 feet tall (1.2 meters) and be able to walk up the stairs on their own, and one adult must accompany every four children.
Inside the crown of the Statue of Liberty (photo by Dale Cruse)
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Last updated on November 19, 2021
